Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Free lycra/stinger suit hire
- 5 hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
- All Fees and Taxes
- 1 pre-booked dive (if dive package is selected. Additional dives can be added once onboard)
- Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
- 10-minute Scenic Flight (if selected)
- Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
- Use of snorkelling and scuba equipment
- BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
- Private transportation
Itinerary
Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal between 7.15am - 7.45am. Once checked in, you can make your way down to the boat, Evolution. Be greeted by your friendly crew, who will provide you with masks and snorkel, and then enjoy arrival tea, coffee and muffins before departure.
Evolution departs Cairns at 8 am with a safety briefing on your way to your first reef location. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive at the first reef location. This will either be Saxon Reef or Norman Reef based on weather conditions and water clarity, to ensure the best experience for all activities.
Enjoy a BBQ lunch onboard (special dietary requirements catered for). The spread features an Australian barbecue with fresh fish, steak, prawns, and a variety of salads, and breads.
Evolution arrives at the second reef location for more snorkelling and/or scuba diving. Marvel at the incredible richness and diversity of marine life as you snorkel at another Outer Reef location. If you prefer to stay dry, sit back and enjoy the views with our three deck spaces available for lounging. Dial up the adventure and choose the package with the 10-minute scenic helicopter flight to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above!
As you return to the mainland after a full day in paradise, enjoy complimentary afternoon tea of cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine as you toast to a great day visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Evolution arrives back to Cairns at approximately 4.30pm.
Meeting point
Start Location
Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Check-in is from 7.15am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Please make your way to the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter to check-in. Boat departs 8.00am.
- All divers are required to complete a Medical Questionnaire. In a commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years must have a medical clearance with a physician the confirms they are Fit To Dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, doctor's signature and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operators Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel.
- Children aged and under 12 years (introductory) and 10 years (certified divers) are not permitted to participate in onboard diving activities as per Queensland Australian Law.
- Children under the age of 18 must be in the immediate company of a parent or legal guardian.
- For Certified Diving, evidence of dive certification (PADI, SSI, etc.) is required from all divers day of wishing to participate in a certified dive.
- Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.
- Due to comfort, weight and balance of the aircraft, the weight limit for helicopters is 130kg. Please contact the supplier directly for further information.
- Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 24 hours prior to travel directly with the tour operator. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options are available.
- If you chose a package with a dive, this includes 1 pre-booked dive only (note: dives are not included with snorkel-only packages). Additional dives can be purchased onboard on the day or direct with the operator prior to travel.
- For the intro dive, no experience is needed
- No refunds for voluntary uncompleted or attempted dives.
Traveler reviews
Beautiful wildlife and great crew
This was a trip of a life time. We saw so many different fish in the locations we were taken to. The crew was very friendly and getting the photo package was extremely worth it for us. We highly suggest taking the opportunity to go out with this tour!
Highly recommend for divers
The scuba dive team, especially Phil, were top notch and made the experience fantastic. They were so patient with everyone and knowledgeable about everything related to diving and the reef itself.
Great Barrier Reef, Greater Crew
Down Under Cruise and Dive was excellent! The staff were friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable about everything they were teaching. The boat itself was clean, comfortable, and stylish. The snorkel spots were amazing, and there were staff members in the water making sure everyone was safe and having a memorable experience. The food was phenomenal as well. What really stood out, though, was the crew—they genuinely seemed to love their jobs and enjoyed working together, which created such a positive atmosphere throughout the day. I also did an introductory scuba dive and felt safe and comfortable the entire time. I ended up doing a second intro dive, which allowed us to explore a bit more independently in a controlled environment with the instructor. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone even slightly interested in scuba diving. The instructors meet you at your comfort level and provide a fantastic experience. Being on the Great Barrier Reef was surreal. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone!
Fantastic experience...
Fantastic experience aboard the Evolution! The crew was exceptional. Incredibly helpful and attentive
Awesome day on the reef
A must do experience in life! The crew and dive team are amazing and did a fantastic job. If you have the interest and abilities, do the scuba dives with this trip. There is an opportunity for up to 3 dives between 12-15 meters and the underwater environment and wildlife are very worth the bit of extra expense. The dive master Ajnumi was excellent with my daughter on her dives. The entire crew was excellent with learning names (much better than I for them - sorry) and made us all feel important. Would recommend for families or as a side day trip if here on business!